Method for producing steel

Abstract

A steelmaking process is disclosed utilizes solid ferrous metallic material as a substantial part of the metallic charge and uses heat released by combustion of two different types of carbonaceous materials and steel scrap that have been strategically charged inside of at least a partially refractory lined steelmaking vessel. One of the carbonaceous materials contains a high content of volatile hydrocarbons and is primarily responsible for early preheating and partial melting of the solid ferrous material. The second carbonaceous material contains a low content of volatile hydrocarbons and is primarily responsible for providing a reducing capability to the slag, for carburizing the melt and for providing additional heat generated by combustion which is used to enhance heating and melting of solid ferrous materials. This method of steelmaking also consists of the controllable introduction of oxygen rich oxidizing gas which initially is used for combustion of said hydrocarbons in the carbonaceous materials to melt solid ferrous metallic material and further is used for refining the resultant molten pool of ferrous material before tapping. Slag forming material is used at the bottom of the furnace to provide for continuous refining of molten ferrous material throughout entire steelmaking process. Molten blast furnace ("hot") iron also can be charged in an embodiment of this method of steel production. Electrical energy may be used as an additional heat source to increase the metallic yield.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of steelmaking, conducted in an at least partially refractory-lined furnace, comprising the steps of: (a) introducing a first basic slag forming material into the furnace;   (b) then charging a first solid carbonaceous material including volatile hydrocarbons;   (c) then charging on top of previously charged materials at least a fraction of a solid ferrous metallic material;   (d) then preheating at least a part of said fraction of the metallic material charged in the preceding step by a process comprising the substeps of: i. blowing a controllable flow of oxidizing gas toward said charged solid ferrous metallic material with a lancing means having a tip for directing the flow of oxidizing gas, wherein the tip is positioned above said solid ferrous metallic material charged in the preceding step; and   ii. essentially simultaneously with said blowing substep, charging continually on top of said solid ferrous metallic material a controllable amount of at least a second solid carbonaceous fuel material including a higher average concentration of volatile hydrocarbons than said first solid carbonaceous material; wherein said second solid carbonaceous fuel material is at least partially combusted to preheat the fraction of said solid ferrous metallic material charged in the preceding step;     (e) then burning a first portion of the preheated ferrous metallic material in a central zone of the furnace to release additional heat to melt at least a second portion of the preheated solid ferrous metallic material located in an area remote from the central zone, while protecting said second portion from oxidation;   (f) accumulating molten ferrous metal at the bottom of the furnace;   (g) at least partially refining and at least partially superheating said accumulated molten ferrous material above the melting point by a process including the substeps of: i. charging additional basic slag forming material into the furnace; and   ii. blowing additional oxidizing gas with said lancing means; and     (h) tapping off said molten ferrous metal and at least a part of a resulting slag material after the desired tap temperature is reached.   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1 wherein steps (c) and (d) are repeated in sequence a plurality of time prior to performing step (e). 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1, wherein steps (c), (d), and (e) are repeated a plurality of times in sequence prior to performing step (f). 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 1 wherein the first basic slag forming material is introduced in solid form on the top of hot residual slag that has been at least partially retained from a previous heat. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 2 wherein the first basic slag forming material is introduced in solid form on the top of hot residual slag that has been at least partially retained from a previous heat. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 3 wherein the first basic slag forming material is introduced in solid form on the top of hot residual slag that has been at least partially retained from a previous heat. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 1 wherein said solid ferrous metallic material comprises more than one batch and wherein at least one of said batches has a different material characteristic than the other batch and wherein the material characteristic is selected from the group consisting of bulk density, carbon content, silicon content, manganese content and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim 2 wherein said solid ferrous metallic material comprises more than one batch and wherein at least one of said batches has a different material characteristic than the other batch and wherein the material characteristic is selected from the group consisting of bulk density, carbon content, silicon content, manganese content and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       9. The method of claim 3 wherein said solid ferrous metallic material comprises more than one batch and wherein at least one of said batches has a different material characteristic than the other batch and wherein the material characteristic is selected from the group consisting of bulk density, carbon content, silicon content, manganese content and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       10. The method of claim 1 wherein the burning step comprises the substeps of: i. directing the flow of oxidizing gas towards a central zone of the furnace;   ii. moving the tip of the lancing means closer to the bottom of the furnace; and   iii. continually charging additional controlled amounts of at least a third carbonaceous fuel material including volatile hydrocarbons in a higher average concentration than in said first solid carbonaceous material.   
     
     
       11. The method of claim 2 wherein the burning step comprises the substeps of: i. directing the flow of oxidizing gas towards a central zone of the furnace;   ii. moving the tip of the lancing means closer to the bottom of the furnace; and   iii. continually charging additional controlled amounts of at least a third carbonaceous fuel material including volatile hydrocarbons in a higher average concentration than in said first solid carbonaceous material.   
     
     
       12. The method of claim 3 wherein the burning step comprises the substeps of: i. directing the flow of oxidizing gas towards a central zone of the furnace;   ii. moving the tip of the lancing means closer to the bottom of the furnace; and   iii. continually charging additional controlled amounts of at least a third carbonaceous fuel material including volatile hydrocarbons in a higher average concentration than in said first solid carbonaceous material.   
     
     
       13. The method of claim 4 wherein the burning step comprises the substeps of: i. directing the flow of oxidizing gas towards a central zone of the furnace;   ii. moving the tip of the lancing means closer to the bottom of the furnace; and   iii. continually charging additional controlled amounts of at least a third carbonaceous fuel material including volatile hydrocarbons in a higher average concentration than in said first solid carbonaceous material.   
     
     
       14. The method of claim 5 wherein the burning step comprises the substeps of: i. directing the flow of oxidizing gas towards a central zone of the furnace;   ii. moving the tip of the lancing means closer to the bottom of the furnace; and   iii. continually charging additional controlled amounts of at least a third carbonaceous fuel material including volatile hydrocarbons in a higher average concentration than in said first solid carbonaceous material.   
     
     
       15. The method of claim 6 wherein the burning step comprises the substeps of: i. directing the flow of oxidizing gas towards a central zone of the furnace;   ii. moving the tip of the lancing means closer to the bottom of the furnace; and   iii. continually charging additional controlled amounts of at least a third carbonaceous fuel material including volatile hydrocarbons in a higher average concentration than in said first solid carbonaceous material.   
     
     
       16. The method of claim 7 wherein the burning step comprises the substeps of: i. directing the flow of oxidizing gas towards a central zone of the furnace;   ii. moving the tip of the lancing means closer to the bottom of the furnace; and   iii. continually charging additional controlled amounts of at least a third carbonaceous fuel material including volatile hydrocarbons in a higher average concentration than in said first solid carbonaceous material.   
     
     
       17. The method of claim 1 wherein an intermediate slag is formed, and the method further comprises a step of partially discharging the intermediate slag prior to the completion of the introduction of the additional basic slag-forming materials. 
     
     
       18. The method of claim 2 wherein an intermediate slag is formed, and the method further comprises a step of partially discharging the intermediate slag prior to the completion of the introduction of the additional basic slag-forming materials. 
     
     
       19. The method of claim 3 wherein an intermediate slag is formed, and the method further comprises a step of partially discharging the intermediate slag prior to the completion of the introduction of the additional basic slag-forming materials. 
     
     
       20. The method of claim 10 wherein an intermediate slag is formed, and the method further comprises a step of partially discharging the intermediate slag prior to the completion of the introduction of the additional basic slag-forming materials. 
     
     
       21. The method of claim 11 wherein an intermediate slag is formed, and the method further comprises a step of partially discharging the intermediate slag prior to the completion of the introduction of the additional basic slag-forming materials. 
     
     
       22. The method of claim 12 wherein an intermediate slag is formed, and the method further comprises a step of partially discharging the intermediate slag prior to the completion of the introduction of the additional basic slag-forming materials. 
     
     
       23. The method of claim 13 wherein an intermediate slag is formed, and the method further comprises a step of partially discharging the intermediate slag prior to the completion of the introduction of the additional basic slag-forming materials. 
     
     
       24. The method of claim 14 wherein an intermediate slag is formed, and the method further comprises a step of partially discharging the intermediate slag prior to the completion of the introduction of the additional basic slag-forming materials. 
     
     
       25. The method of claim 15 wherein an intermediate slag is formed, and the method further comprises a step of partially discharging the intermediate slag prior to the completion of the introduction of the additional basic slag-forming materials. 
     
     
       26. The method of claim 16 wherein an intermediate slag is formed, and the method further comprises a step of partially discharging the intermediate slag prior to the completion of the introduction of the additional basic slag-forming materials. 
     
     
       27. The method of claim 1 wherein an extra ferrous material is charged essentially simultaneously with the blowing of oxidizing gas. 
     
     
       28. The method of claim 2 wherein an extra ferrous material is charged essentially simultaneously with the blowing of oxidizing gas. 
     
     
       29. The method of claim 3 wherein an extra ferrous material is charged essentially simultaneously with the blowing of oxidizing gas. 
     
     
       30. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of charging an additional material containing manganese during the step of refining and superheating. 
     
     
       31. The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of charging an additional material containing manganese during the step of refining and superheating. 
     
     
       32. The method of claim 3 further comprising the step of charging an additional material containing manganese during the step of refining and superheating. 
     
     
       33. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of introducing electrical energy at least during the step of refining and superheating to add additional heat to the ferrous materials. 
     
     
       34. The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of introducing electrical energy at least during the step of refining and superheating to add additional heat to the ferrous materials. 
     
     
       35. The method of claim 3 further comprising the step of introducing electrical energy at least during the step of refining and superheating to add additional heat to the ferrous materials. 
     
     
       36. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of charging a molten ferrous material earlier than the step of charging the additional basic slag-forming materials but later than the first charging of at least a portion of the solid ferrous material. 
     
     
       37. The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of charging a molten ferrous material earlier than the step of charging the additional basic slag-forming materials but later than the first charging of at least a portion of the solid ferrous material. 
     
     
       38. The method of claim 3 further comprising the step of charging a molten ferrous material earlier than the step of charging the additional basic slag-forming materials but later than the first charging of at least a portion of the solid ferrous material. 
     
     
       39. The method of any one of claims 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein products of incomplete combustion generated by substoichiometric oxidation of carbonaceous material charged outside the central zone of the furnace protect the second portion of the preheated solid ferrous metallic material from oxidation. 
     
     
       40. The method of any one of claims 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein additional carbonaceous material is added continually into the furnace to regulate slag oxidation and slag level in the furnace. 
     
     
       41. The method of any one of claims 1, 2, 3 or 2 wherein additional carbonaceous material is added continually into the furnace to regulate slag oxidation and slag level in the furnace and wherein products of incomplete combustion generated by substoichiometric oxidation of carbonaceous material charged outside the central zone of the furnace protect the second portion of the preheated solid ferrous metallic material from oxidation. 
     
     
       42. A method of steelmaking, conducted in an at least partially refractory-lined furnace, comprising the steps of: (a) charging a charge of solid ferrous metallic material into the furnace;   (b) preheating said solid ferrous metallic material by a process comprising the substeps of: i. charging a first hot molten ferrous metallic material into the furnace;   ii. blowing a controllable flow of oxidizing gas toward said solid ferrous metallic material with a lancing means having a tip for directing the flow of oxidizing gas, wherein the tip is positioned above said solid ferrous metallic material charged in the previous step; and   iii. essentially simultaneously with said blowing substep, charging continually on top of said solid ferrous metallic material a controllable amount of a solid carbonaceous material comprising volatile hydrocarbons, wherein said solid carbonaceous material is at least partially combusted to preheat the said solid ferrous metallic material charged in the previous step;     (c) then burning a first portion of the preheated ferrous metallic material in a central zone of the furnace to release additional heat to melt at least a second portion of the preheated solid ferrous metallic material while protecting said second portion from oxidation, thereby creating a second molten ferrous metallic material and wherein the burning step further comprises the substeps of: i. directing the flow of oxidizing gas towards a central zone of the furnace; and   ii. moving the tip of the lancing means closer to the bottom of the furnace;     (d) accumulating a mixture comprising partially oxidized first hot molten ferrous metallic material and the second molten metallic material at the bottom of the furnace;   (e) at least partially refining and at least partially superheating said accumulated mixture up to a predetermined tap temperature by a process including the substeps of: i. charging a first charge of basic slag-forming material, thereby forming a slag; and   ii. blowing additional oxidizing gas with said lancing means to produce a partially refined molten ferrous product; and     (f) tapping off the at least partially refined molten ferrous product and at least a part of the slag after the desired tap temperature is reached.   
     
     
       43. The method of claim 42 wherein, in the preheating step, the substeps of blowing and of charging the carbonaceous material precede the substep of charging the first hot molten ferrous metallic material. 
     
     
       44. The method of claim 42 wherein, in the preheating step, the substep of charging the first hot molten ferrous metallic material precedes the substeps of blowing and of charging the carbonaceous material. 
     
     
       45. The method of claim 42 wherein steps (a) and (b) are repeated in sequence a plurality of times prior to performing step (c). 
     
     
       46. The method of claim 43 wherein steps (a) and (b) are repeated in sequence a plurality of times prior to performing step (c). 
     
     
       47. The method of claim 44 wherein steps (a) and (b) are repeated in sequence a plurality of times prior to performing step (c). 
     
     
       48. The method of claim 43 wherein steps (a), (b), and (c) are repeated in sequence a plurality of times prior to performing step (d). 
     
     
       49. The method of claim 44 wherein steps (a), (b), and (c) are repeated in sequence a plurality of times prior to performing step (d). 
     
     
       50. The method of claim 43 further comprising the step of charging a second slag-forming material prior to the charging of the solid ferrous metallic material. 
     
     
       51. The method of claim 44 further comprising the step of charging a second slag-forming material prior to the charging of the solid ferrous metallic material. 
     
     
       52. The method of claim 46 further comprising the step of charging a second slag-forming material prior to the charging of the solid ferrous metallic material. 
     
     
       53. The method of claim 47 further comprising the step of charging a second slag-forming material prior to the charging of the solid ferrous metallic material. 
     
     
       54. The method of claim 48 further comprising the step of charging a second slag-forming material prior to the charging of the solid ferrous metallic material. 
     
     
       55. The method of claim 49 further comprising the step of charging a second slag-forming material prior to the charging of the solid ferrous metallic material. 
     
     
       56. The method of claim 43 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       57. The method of claim 44 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       58. The method of claim 46 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       59. The method of claim 47 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       60. The method of claim 48 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       61. The method of claim 49 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       62. The method of claim 50 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       63. The method of claim 51 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       64. The method of claim 52 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material of materials being charged. 
     
     
       65. The method of claim 53 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       66. The method of claim 54 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       67. The method of claim 55 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       68. The method of claim 43 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       69. The method of claim 44 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       70. The method of claim 46 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       71. The method of claim 47 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       72. The method of claim 48 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       73. The method of claim 49 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       74. The method of claim 50 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       75. The method of claim 51 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       76. The method of claim 52 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material of materials being charged. 
     
     
       77. The method of claim 53 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       78. The method of claim 54 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       79. The method of claim 55 wherein the carbonaceous material comprises controllable amounts of two types of substances containing different concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the ratio of charged volatile hydrocarbons to solid carbon provided with the carbonaceous material is controlled during the preheating step by controlling the relative amounts of the two types of substances comprising the carbonaceous material being charged. 
     
     
       80. The method of claim 50 wherein the second slag-forming material is introduced in solid form on top of hot residual slag that has been at least partially retained from a previous heat. 
     
     
       81. The method of claim 51 wherein the second slag-forming material is introduced in solid form on top of hot residual slag that has been at least partially retained from a previous heat. 
     
     
       82. The method of claim 52 wherein the second slag-forming material is introduced in solid form on top of hot residual slag that has been at least partially retained from a previous heat. 
     
     
       83. The method of claim 53 wherein the second slag-forming material is introduced in solid form on top of hot residual slag that has been at least partially retained from a previous heat. 
     
     
       84. The method of claim 54 wherein the second slag-forming material is introduced in solid form on top of hot residual slag that has been at least partially retained from a previous heat. 
     
     
       85. The method of claim 55 wherein the second slag-forming material is introduced in solid form on top of hot residual slag that has been at least partially retained from a previous heat. 
     
     
       86. The method of claim 62 wherein the second slag-forming material is introduced in solid form on top of hot residual slag that has been at least partially retained from a previous heat. 
     
     
       87. The method of claim 63 wherein the second slag-forming material is introduced in solid form on top of hot residual slag that has been at least partially retained from a previous heat. 
     
     
       88. The method of claim 64 wherein the second slag-forming material is introduced in solid form on top of hot residual slag that has been at least partially retained from a previous heat. 
     
     
       89. The method of claim 65 wherein the second slag-forming material is introduced in solid form on top of hot residual slag that has been at least partially retained from a previous heat. 
     
     
       90. The method of claim 66 wherein the second slag-forming material is introduced in solid form on top of hot residual slag that has been at least partially retained from a previous heat. 
     
     
       91. The method of claim 67 wherein the second slag-forming material is introduced in solid form on top of hot residual slag that has been at least partially retained from a previous heat. 
     
     
       92. The method of claim 43 wherein an intermediate slag is formed with the addition of the first charge of basic slag-forming materials, and the method further comprises a step of partially discharging the intermediate slag prior to the completion of the introduction of the first basic slag-forming material. 
     
     
       93. The method of claim 44 wherein an intermediate slag is formed with the addition of the first charge of basic slag-forming materials, and the method further comprises a step of partially discharging the intermediate slag prior to the completion of the introduction of the first basic slag-forming material. 
     
     
       94. The method of claim 46 wherein an intermediate slag is formed with the addition of the first charge of basic slag-forming materials, and the method further comprises a step of partially discharging the intermediate slag prior to the completion of the introduction of the first basic slag-forming material. 
     
     
       95. The method of claim 47 wherein an intermediate slag is formed with the addition of the first charge of basic slag-forming materials, and the method further comprises a step of partially discharging the intermediate slag prior to the completion of the introduction of the first basic slag-forming material. 
     
     
       96. The method of claim 48 wherein an intermediate slag is formed with the addition of the first charge of basic slag-forming materials, and the method further comprises a step of partially discharging the intermediate slag prior to the completion of the introduction of the first basic slag-forming material. 
     
     
       97. The method of claim 49 wherein an intermediate slag is formed with the addition of the first charge of basic slag-forming materials, and the method further comprises a step of partially discharging the intermediate slag prior to the completion of the introduction of the first basic slag-forming material. 
     
     
       98. The method of claim 43 wherein an extra ferrous material is charged essentially simultaneously with the blowing of the oxidizing gas. 
     
     
       99. The method of claim 44 wherein an extra ferrous material is charged essentially simultaneously with the blowing of the oxidizing gas. 
     
     
       100. The method of claim 56 wherein an extra ferrous material is charged essentially simultaneously with the blowing of the oxidizing gas. 
     
     
       101. The method of claim 57 wherein an extra ferrous material is charged essentially simultaneously with the blowing of the oxidizing gas. 
     
     
       102. The method of claim 68 wherein an extra ferrous material is charged essentially simultaneously with the blowing of the oxidizing gas. 
     
     
       103. The method of claim 69 wherein an extra ferrous material is charged essentially simultaneously with the blowing of the oxidizing gas. 
     
     
       104. The method of claim 80 wherein an extra ferrous material is charged essentially simultaneously with the blowing of the oxidizing gas. 
     
     
       105. The method of claim 81 wherein an extra ferrous material is charged essentially simultaneously with the blowing of the oxidizing gas. 
     
     
       106. The method of claim 43 further comprising a step of charging an additional material containing manganese during the step of refining and superheating. 
     
     
       107. The method of claim 44 further comprising a step of charging an additional material containing manganese during the step of refining and superheating. 
     
     
       108. The method of claim 56 further comprising a step of charging an additional material containing manganese during the step of refining and superheating. 
     
     
       109. The method of claim 57 further comprising a step of charging an additional material containing manganese during the step of refining and superheating. 
     
     
       110. The method of claim 68 further comprising a step of charging an additional material containing manganese during the step of refining and superheating. 
     
     
       111. The method of claim 69 further comprising a step of charging an additional material containing manganese during the step of refining and superheating. 
     
     
       112. The method of claim 80 further comprising a step of charging an additional material containing manganese during the step of refining and superheating. 
     
     
       113. The method of claim 81 further comprising a step of charging an additional material containing manganese during the step of refining and superheating. 
     
     
       114. The method of claim 43 further comprising a step of introducing electrical energy at least during the step of refining and superheating to add additional heat to the ferrous materials. 
     
     
       115. The method of claim 44 further comprising a step of introducing electrical energy at least during the step of refining and superheating to add additional heat to the ferrous materials. 
     
     
       116. The method of claim 56 further comprising a step of introducing electrical energy at least during the step of refining and superheating to add additional heat to the ferrous materials. 
     
     
       117. The method of claim 57 further comprising a step of introducing electrical energy at least during the step of refining and superheating to add additional heat to the ferrous materials. 
     
     
       118. The method of claim 68 further comprising a step of introducing electrical energy at least during the step of refining and superheating to add additional heat to the ferrous materials. 
     
     
       119. The method of claim 69 further comprising a step of introducing electrical energy at least during the step of refining and superheating to add additional heat to the ferrous materials. 
     
     
       120. The method of claim 80 further comprising a step of introducing electrical energy at least during the step of refining and superheating to add additional heat to the ferrous materials. 
     
     
       121. The method of claim 81 further comprising a step of introducing electrical energy at least during the step of refining and superheating to add additional heat to the ferrous materials. 
     
     
       122. The method of any one of claims 43, 44, 56, 57, 68, 69, 80, 81, 114, or 115 wherein products of incomplete combustion generated by substoichiometric oxidation of carbonaceous material charged outside the central zone of the furnace protect the second portion of the preheated solid ferrous metallic material from oxidation. 
     
     
       123. The method of any one of claims 43 or 44 wherein additional carbonaceous material is added continually into the furnace to regulate slag oxidation and slag level in the furnace. 
     
     
       124. The method of any one of claims 43, 44, 56, 57, 68, 69, 80, 81, 114, or 115 wherein additional carbonaceous material is added continually into the furnace to regulate slag oxidation and slag level in the furnace and wherein products of incomplete combustion generated by substoichiometric oxidation of carbonaceous material charged outside the central zone of the furnace protect the second portion of the preheated solid ferrous metallic material from oxidation. 
     
     
       125. A method of steelmaking, conducted in an at least partially refractory-lined furnace equipped with an electrical heating means, comprising the steps of: (a) charging a charge of solid ferrous metallic material into the furnace;   (b) preheating said solid ferrous metallic material by a process comprising the substeps of: i. blowing a controllable flow of oxidizing gas toward said solid ferrous metallic material with the lancing means; and   ii. essentially simultaneously with said blowing substep, charging continually on top of said solid ferrous metallic material a controllable amount of a solid carbonaceous material comprising volatile hydrocarbons, wherein the volatile hydrocarbons are at least partially combusted to preheat said solid ferrous metallic material charged in said step of charging solid ferrous metallic material;     (c) melting the solid ferrous metallic material by introducing heat energy from the electrical heating means;   (d) accumulating molten ferrous metallic material at the bottom of the furnace;   (e) at least partially refining and at least partially superheating said accumulated molten ferrous metallic material up to a predetermined tap temperature by a process including the substeps of: i. charging a first charge of basic slag-forming materials, thereby forming a slag; and   ii. blowing additional oxidizing gas with said lancing means to produce a partially refined molten ferrous product, wherein the lancing means has a tip for directing the oxidizing gas and said tip is positioned above the accumulated molten ferrous metallic material; and     (f) tapping off the partially refined molten ferrous product and at least a part of the slag after the desired tap temperature is reached.   
     
     
       126. The method of claim 125 and further comprising an additional step of charging hot molten iron prior to the completion of the melting step.